Ahern urged to show commitment to Cork

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has been called on to make a real commitment to Cork when he visits the county today.

Fine Gael TD Bernard Allen said that, while he supported increasing links between the Republic and Northern Ireland, closer ties between Dublin and Belfast should not be at the expense of Cork.

“Cork is the second city in the state and will be for many years to come,” said Mr Allen.

“Despite this, we are increasingly seeing investment by the Irish state rapidly increase in the North while at the same time Cork seems to be forgotten.”

During his visit to the region, Mr Ahern will officially open the Supernova Recreation Facility in Ballincollig and the Children’s Leukaemia Association.

He will also visit City Hall, the Presentation Brothers School in Mardyke, and receive a presentation from Cork Docklands Project in City Quarter.

However, Mr Allen said he wanted to see firm commitments from the Taoiseach on Cork Airport’s debt and investment in infrastructure.

He claimed the city does not have a proper bus system and lacks a motorway to the capital, a train service to Limerick, and a National Rehabilitation Centre.